Using computer simulations to discover how proteins engage with genomic DNA

Transcription Factors are the proteins that regulate the gene expression, meaning that they control complex processes such as cellular differentiation, development, morphogenesis, and changes in the cell behavior. A particular subset of Transcription Factors, called pioneer Transcription Factors can do their function in the so-called “closed chromatin”: Areas of the cell nucleus where the DNA is heavily compacted. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we are able to study how a pioneer Transcription Factor, Oct4, binds and interacts with closed chromatin.

16-11-2020 15:00 - 15:15